For education

We work in partnership with local schools and careers advisers to raise the profile of vocational learning in our communities.

We visit local secondary schools to talk to students about the vocational learning opportunities to help get them ahead. This helps them identify alternative routes into careers, so they can make informed decisions about their education and future careers.

This year we will be visiting over 50 schools across Oxfordshire, including presenting to students on post-16 options, attending careers events and delivering tailored sessions. We also host school visits at our colleges, giving pupils a taster of a vocational learning environment and a chance to have a go at different vocational areas.

And we regularly meet with careers advisers to ensure that the information, advice and guidance that is available to students in schools reflects developments in Further Education.

We also value our partnerships with higher education providers, including Oxford Brookes University, which enable us to offer university-accredited programmes through our college campuses.

Our networks extend to the national stage, where we are helping to shape the future delivery of education and skills. Our chief executive, Sally Dicketts CBE, is a board member for the Association of Colleges and chairs its Enterprise Society, Governance Committee and Employment and Enterprise Committee. Sally is also a member of the City & Guilds Learning and Assessment Policy Committee, a Gazelle College Group principal and a leading thinker for the National Education Trust.